Lohia Machinery

History and overview

Incorporated as Lohia Machines Private Limited in 1972, the company was engaged in manufacture of synthetic yarn manufacturing machines in technical collaboration with ARCT, France. In 1978, it became a public limited company and diversified into processing synthetic yarn.

In 1984 a technical collaboration agreement was signed with Piaggio of Italy and a scooter project was set up. The relationship with Piaggio was redefined to that of a partner in 1990, both partners having equal equity participation of 23.6% each.

The LML Select was launched in 1993, with new age technology and aesthetics, and became an instant success. LML's joint venture with Piaggio ended in 1999.

LML continued to manufacture the Star, a classically styled steel-bodied scooter with twist-shift 4-speed manual transmission and a 150cc two-stroke engine. LML also produced the Trendy 50 cc (1998-2006), formerly known as Benelli Scooty (1993), a derivation from 1981 Benelli S50. That little scooter had no parts in common with Piaggio, being a Benelli project (engine included).